Family is a basic social unit, a child's first contact with the world, first step on the way of growing up. It consists of a single or both parents and their children, which means that family is a foundation of the child's existence. A child's physical, moral, intellectual, esthetic and emotional development begins in the family. Upbringing, as a fundamental role of the family, has the greatest influence on entire child's development at its earliest stages. The primary purpose of upbringing is the growth and progress of a capable, honorable, diligent and a decent individual. A child needs attention, understanding, patience and guidance of adults, primarily responsibility of parents. Because of a child's emotionally strong connection with its family members, a family has the most influential educational effect on a child, which kindergarten and school cannot replace. Kindergartens and schools have a substantial II influence on child's development as well. Collaboration and partnership between educators/teachers and parents are of importance. For most people, parenthood and having a family is the biggest life challenge. „A perfect parent“ does not exist. However, everyone should aspire to ensure all the needs of their child. Main goal of this thesis was to analyse and study literature, written by different authors, about the role and the importance of a family in child development. Terms defined here are family, parents, education; family relationships, mother's and father's roles, family upbringing and relations between siblings are represented.